There is always a story for everyone, that moment frozen in time, where a sudden realization came about. A realization about something that needed to be done, then and there. We call it “turning a new leaf” or that “defining moment”. It is when the heart and mind connected to form a steely and most determined resolve that will forever change one’s life.

Such moments are full of happiness, sadness, fulfillment and joy, tragedy and the sweet smell of success. Without us realizing, these moments were aplenty though at most times, we failed to capture or even recognize it. Yet for every Muslim, this particular moment comes about every year during this holy month of Ramadhan.

It is a month full of blessings, where each good intention can easily be achieved. For during this holy month, the doors to the sky (heavens) are opened up and when all prayers (du’a) are answered. Allah the Exalted said, “Has not the time come for the hearts of the believers to submit and humble themselves?” Clearly, it is in this month, Allah’s Mercy, Grace and Blessings are in abundance, readily available for those who wants it.

Put it in our hearts and minds, that this month, in this year, we want to be closer to Allah and His Mercy, Grace and Blessings. Regardless of how far we have strayed, how we have forgotten Him, now could be that defining moment. By us being able to live through this Ramadhan in itself is a sign of His Grace, to allow us to make that step towards being a better Muslim.

Yes, indeed we have committed way too many sins, lead of life of total neglect to His ways, too bad were all of us in desperation. Yet His Mercy, Compassion and Grace to His servants are far greater. Ours is not a caravan of despair, or of giving up; ours is a caravan of loving mercy and continuously turning back to Him.

This is the month where we take that huge step of defining our own moments. And in total faith that Allah SWT will readily accept us, in full forgiveness. For which then, we will become better servants, better person, and most importantly, better Muslims.

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Throughout the day of every single day, we would not go through it without upsetting (perhaps unintentionally) someone, or being upset by someone. And anger turns into rage, destroying any notion of peace or tranquility throughout the rest of the day. Worst still, those feelings are anchoring itself deep in our hearts and minds, chewing every bit of patience left in us. We become that ugly human being, full of hatred for the people and the world around us.

Yet the Qur’an and the Prophet SAW reminded us many times about the need to offer forgiveness, and we shall be a better person for that.

“Pardon them and overlook – Allah loves those who do good” (Qur’an 5:13)

“Those who control their anger and are forgiving towards people; Allah loves the good.” (Qur’an, 3: 134)

“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.

But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of the happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and in this world of a high moral character).” (Qur’an 41:34-35)

And the Prophet SAW reminded us of the importance of forgiving and accounts of those who have forgiven and pardoned others.

The Messenger of Allah SAW reported that once there was a merchant who would lend money to people. If he saw anyone in difficult circumstances he would say to his children, “Pardon him his debt, perhaps Allah will pardon us.” Then Allah did pardon him.

Ja’far ibn Muhammad (ra) said, “For me to regret after having pardoned someone is more beloved to me than to feel regret after punishing someone.”

Qatadah was asked, “Which person has the highest standing?” He replied, “The one most abundant in his pardon.”

The Messenger of Allah SAW was seated in a gathering with the Sahabah (companions) when he looked towards the entrance and said, “A man of Paradise is coming.” At that instance someone who seemed to be very ordinary entered the mosque where they were seated. A Sahabi (companion) was curious as to why the Prophet SAW said this, so he followed the man to his house. This Sahabi told the man that he was a traveler and stayed as a guest. For three days the Sahabi saw nothing unusual, so he finally told the man what the Prophet had said and asked him what was so special. The man thought for a long time and said, “There might be one thing — before going to sleep every night I forgive everyone and sleep with a clean heart.”

May Allah SWT provide us with the strength and courage to offer forgiveness for those that have wronged us. May Allah SWT continually extends His Mercy, Grace And Blessings to all of us.

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I’tirof is a poetry that was penned by the great Imam Shafie (ra). By translation , it means accept, acknowledge.

The poem itself has been recorded by several artists around the world, and it touches me to my bare bones every time I hear it. It has been used by people when performing their “taubat” or repentance. Take a look at the poem and feel how it touches your heart, immediately.